The Royal Commission for Italy of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George organised, in accordance with the wishes of the Grand Master, the traditional Solemn Pontifical Mass in honour of Saint George the Martyr, Patron of the Constantinian Order, on Saturday 20 April 2024 at 11.00 am, at the Royal Pontifical Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. The basilica is located in Piazza del Plebiscito in the historic center of Naples. The church is a symbol of the Bourbon restoration of the City of Naples, an “ex voto” made by King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies to St. Francis of Paola, to whose intercession the “miraculous expulsion of the French under Joachim Murat” was attributed.
The Mass was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order, and Member of the Ecclesiastical Council of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, in the august presence of the Grand Master, HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, by the Grace of God and Hereditary Right Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, Grandee of Spain, Grand Master of the Royal and Illustrious Order of Saint Januarius and of the Dynastic Orders of his Royal House, etc.
The celebration of the heavenly Patron of the Constantinian Order took place again this year in Naples, -as announced previously at: https://constantinianorder.us/the-royal-commission-for-italy-of-the-constantinian-order-announces-that-the-annual-pontifical-mass-of-saint-george-will-take-place-in-naples-on-20-april-2024/ .
This reflects the strong bond of HRH the Grand Master, as Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, with the metropolis of the ancient Southern Kingdom, not only for historical reasons, which are of course relevant, but also for the wide ranging activities carried out there by the knights, ladies, postulants and friends of the Delegation of Naples and Campania of the Constantinian Order in the spiritual, cultural, humanitarian and socio-charitable fields, in accordance with Christian principles, under the guidance of the Delegate, the Nob. Manuel de Goyzueta di Toverena, of the Marquises of Toverena and Trentinara, Knight Grand Cross of Justice.
The presence of His Eminence, who officiated the Sacred Rite, also confirmed in this circumstance the closeness of the Church of Rome to the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, which has always preserved, since its institution, the characteristics of a Christian equestrian Order, aimed primarily at the sanctification of those who, over the centuries, have worn its insignia. Those who received the Cross of Constantine on this occasion in particular are inspired by these high ideals. For all who see themselves engaged in the implementation of the Constantinian charism, the Order’s late President of the Royal Commission for Italy, Duke Diego de Vargas Machuca remains an example, of happy memory, who urged everyone to remain anchored to tradition, which manifests itself as renewed fidelity to the Spirit in ever new circumstances.
During this happy commemoration, in the presence of numerous knights and ladies gathered from all over Italy to commemorate, with particular solemnity, St. George the Martyr, 107 religious and lay postulants were admitted into the Constantinian Order as chaplains, knights and ladies. Furthermore, 48 confrères were promoted, including the Delegate for Naples and Campania, the Nob. Manuel de Goyzueta di Toverena, of the Marquises of Toverena and Trentinara, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Vice President of the Heraldic Commission of the Royal Commission for Italy, H.E. Duke Landolfo Ambrogio Caracciolo di Melissano, Prince of Melissano and Scanno, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Canon Law Consultant, Nob. Attorney Alfonso Marini Dettina, Knight of Jure Sanguinis with Gold Star; and the Chief Chaplain for Italy, Father Fabio Fantoni, Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis.
Upon his arrival, His Eminence the Cardinal was welcomed by the Chief Chaplain of the Delegation of Naples and Campania, Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona, OFM, Constantinian Chaplain of Justice, Commissioner General of the Holy Land in Naples, together with the Parish Priest, Father Mario Savarese, IVC, and the President of the Royal Commission for Italy, His Excellency Prince Flavio Borghese, of the Princes of Sulmona and Montecompatri, Knight Grand Cross of Justice.
During the entrance procession, HRH the Grand Master was attended by the members of the government and clergy of the Order, preceded by the standard bearing the insignia of the Order.
This was followed by the procession, preceded by the thurifer, crucifer and cerofer, then the chaplains, the two concelebrants, the two deacons, the two ministers, the ecclesiastical master of ceremonies, the Cardinal celebrant and the members of the government and other dignitaries of the Order.
The chaplains took their places on the left of the altar.
HRH the Grand Master, taking his place at the side of the altar, was flanked by the dignitaries of the Order.
Concelebrating were the Chief Chaplain of the Delegation of Naples and Campania, Fra’ Sergio Galdi d’Aragona, OFM, Constantinian Chaplain of Justice, Commissioner General of the Holy Land in Naples, and the Order’s Chief Chaplain for Italy and Member of the Ecclesiastical Council of the Royal Commission for Italy, Father Fabio Fantoni, Chaplain Grand Cross Jure Sanguinis. Deacons Armando Schiano and Gianpaolo Rocco assisted.
The liturgic of the solemn Pontifical Mass was impeccably organized, with passion and dedication, even if they were not experts, by the Constantinian knights of the host Delegation of Naples and Campania as well as by the knights of the Delegation of Tuscia and Sabina, led by the Ceremonial Officer of the Delegation of Naples and Campania, Dr. Domenico Giuseppe Costabile, Knight of Merit; Dr. Valerio Massimo Miletti, Knight of Merit, Acolyte in charge of the Missal; Dr. Mar. Nicola Scarinzi, Knight of Office, Crucifer; Ser. Magg. Antonio Sommese, Knight of Office, Standard Bearer of HRH the Grand Master; Dr. Domenico Giuseppe Costabile, Knight of Merit, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Biagio Cimini, Knight of Merit, Acolyte and Cerofer; Dr. Mar. Nicola Carifi, Knight of Office, Cerofer; Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Merit with silver star, Navicelliere; Dr. Luigi Scarano, Knight of Office, ccolyte in charge of the microphone; Attorney Alessandro Franchi, Knight of Merit with silver star, caudatario to the mitre; Dr. Mar. Roberto Russo, Knight of Merit, caudatario for pastoral care; Angelo Musa, Knight of Merit with star, crucifer of the Constantinian Cross; Dr. Agostino Pulito, Knight of Merit, Standard Bearer; Dr. Piero Panei, Knight of Merit, Standard Bearer; Dr. Angelo De Luca, postulant, attaché; Eng. Luigi Tullio, postulant, attendant; and Francesco Spagnuolo, postulant, attaché.
The Royal Deputation of the Constantinian Order was represented by the Grand Chancellor, H.E. Carlos Bárcena y Portolés, Ambassador of Spain, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice with Collar; and the Councilor H.E. Narciso Salvo, Marquis of Pietraganzili, Knight Grand Cross of Justice.
Attendees from the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy included: the President of the Royal Commission for Italy, H.E. Prince Flavio Borghese, of the Princes of Sulmona and Montecompatri, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Lieutenants for Northern Italy, Central Italy and Southern Peninsular Italy, H.E. Ambassador Nob. Paolo dei Conti Borin, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; Ambassador Alfredo Bastianelli, Knight Grand Cross Jure Sanguinis with gold star, Gentleman of His Holiness; the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Vice President of the Heraldic Commission, H.E. Duke Landolfo Ambrogio Caracciolo di Melissano, Prince of Melissano and Scanno, Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Civil Law Consultant, Nob. Attorney Roberto Saccarello, Knight Grand Cross Jure Sanguinis with gold star, Delegate for Tuscia and Sabina; and the Canon Law Consultant, Nob. Attorney Alfonso Marini Dettina, Knight Jure Sanguinis with gold star.
Also present for the Chancellery of the Royal Commission for Italy were: in addition to the Chancellor, the Secretary General, Dr. Michele Cantarano, Knight Jure Sanguinis; the Ceremonial Director, Attorney Fabio Adernò, Knight Jure Sanguinis; and the Communications Director, Comm. Vik van Brantegem, Knight of Merit with silver star.
Furthermore, from the Order’s Delegations in Italy, in addition to the Delegates already mentioned, the following also were present: the Nob. Luigi Filippo Granello di Casaleto, Knight of Justice, Delegate for Liguria; the Nob. Andrea Serlupi Crescenzi, Knight of Justice, Delegate for Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta; Prof. Giuseppe Schlitzer, Knight Grand Cross of Merit, Delegate for Rome and Vatican City; the Nob. Prof. Salvatore Bordonali, Knight Grand Cross of Justice, Delegate for Western Sicily; the Rag. Carlo Testi, Knight Grand Cross of Merit, Delegate for Tuscany, with the Pro Delegate Dr. Massimo Planera, Knight Grand Cross of Merit; and Dr. Cesare Tabarini, Knight of Merit with silver star, Delegate for the Republic of San Marino.
Present among the guests was Countess Fadrique Donà dalle Rose, of the Dukes de Vargas Machuca.
The Sacred Rite was celebrated in Latin according to the Novus Ordo, with the First Reading (Acts 9, 31-42) and the Responsorial Psalm (Psalms 115) in Italian, which were read by the Nob. Attorney Alfonso Marini Dettina, Knight Jure Sanguinis with gold star. The Gospel (John 6, 60-69) was proclaimed by Deacon Armando Schiano.
After the Celebrant’s greeting, the President of the Order’s Royal Commission for Italy, His Excellency Prince Flavio Borghese gave an address:
ADDRESS OF PRINCE FLAVIO BORGHESE, PRESIDENT OF THE ORDER’S ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ITALY
“Your Royal Highness,
Most Reverend Eminence,
Excellencies,
Brothers and sisters and friends of the Constantinian Order of Saint George,
I have the great privilege, as President of the Royal Commission for Italy, to address our most heartfelt welcome to those present today for the celebration of the Pontifical Mass in honour of Saint George the Martyr, whose solemn Eucharistic liturgy will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order, to whom I renew the feelings of my deepest devotion and gratitude.
To our beloved Grand Master, HRH the Most Serene Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta and Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, who during these days of his visit to Naples is a catalyst and example for us all, I express heartfelt gratitude for his august presence, in the certainty that he wishes to continue to follow the activities of this Royal Commission with affectionate concern and closeness.
I also express my heartfelt gratitude to those who work for the Order in this city – in this wonderful city – and in the whole of Campania with enthusiasm, determination and without sparing themselves: first and foremost to the Lieutenant for Peninsular Southern Italy, H.E. the Marquis Pierluigi Sanfelice di Bagnoli, and then to the Delegate Nob. Manuel de Goyzueta di Toverena, of the Marquises of Toverena and Trentinara.
I am sure that with the establishment of the three Lieutenancies (and I greet H.E. Ambassador Alfredo Bastianelli, Lieutenant for Central Italy and H.E. Ambassador Nob. Paolo of the Counts Borin, Lieutenant for Northern Italy), and the close collaboration with the respective Delegations, the Constantinian charism will increasingly assert itself and spread, following the example of my predecessor, H.E. Duke Diego de Vargas Machuca, whom we all cherish in grateful and affectionate memory.
Finally, I would like to remind you that we are preparing for the Holy Year 2025 from which, dear brothers and sisters, we Constantinians will draw inspiration to deepen and reaffirm our faith in God and in the Holy Apostolic and Roman Church.”
HOMILY OF HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL MAMBERTI
In his Homily, His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Mamberti first commented on the readings of the day, focusing his reflection on the raison d’être of the Constantinian Knights: the Glorification of the Holy Cross, the Propagation of the Faith and the Defense of the Holy Roman Church, observing that tradition is not just the memory or nostalgia of a time that no longer exists. The question we must ask ourselves, as when Jesus asked the Twelve, when many of his disciples withdrew and no longer went with him: “Perhaps you also want to leave?” Simon Peter replied to him: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life; we have believed and known that you are the Holy One of God.”
The Cardinal observed that we live faith in the Church, in the community in which we were baptized, that is, as parts of the Body of Christ. Being members of the Constantinian Order is an invitation to experience its charism and the works that are the expression of love for the Lord and for our brothers. The early Churches experienced charity as one body and one soul.
We bear witness to the Lord in all the activities of the Order, especially the spiritual activities and the activities of mercy, underlined the Cardinal. In conclusion: being members of the Constantinian Order means being witnesses of the Gospel, with the words of Peter, who responded to the Lord for everyone and therefore for the Church.
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
The Prayer of the Faithful, recited by Count Gerardo Mariano Rocco di Torrepadula, Knight of Justice, Commander of the Order of Saint Maurice and Lazarus, Delegate of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy in Naples, was introduced by the Celebrant: “Brothers, rest assured that we owe our obedience to God alone and our coherent and joyful testimony to all men, our brothers, we beg the Lord for the strength always to live in His will, beseeching Him with one voice, sincerely invoking the powerful intercession of Saint George.”
The Prayer of the Faithful was as follows:
For the whole Church and, in particular, for our Holy Father Francis, for the Most Eminent Cardinal Celebrant, for our Grand Prior, for the bishops, for our chaplains and for all the ministers of God: may the light and strength of the Spirit of the Risen One dispel every human fear in them and make them authentic witnesses of the Truth.
For nations plagued by wars and injustices: that they are not forgotten by the international community, but experience a renewed sensitivity and more concrete help towards harmony and peace.
For those who do not believe: that through the coherent Christian testimony of the Constantinian knights of Saint George they may be pushed to seek meaning in their lives with more determination and finally find it in faith in Christ Jesus to be freed from labour and loneliness.
For our Grand Master, His Royal Highness Prince Pedro of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta: may he guide with wisdom and fatherhood his august Family and all the members of the Sacred Constantinian Order in faithful and generous service to God and to His holy Church.
For the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and especially for those who are received into it today: through the intercession of Saint George the Martyr, may they bear witness consistently and constantly, with faith and fortitude, to the salvific hope of the living God, in the sign of Cross.
For the deceased august ancestors of our Grand Master, especially for the Sovereigns who sleep the eternal sleep in this most noble city, and for Don Diego de Vargas Machuca: may the Lord, through the intercession of the Madonna of Pompeii, grant peace to them and all those whose bliss and light rest in Christ, and may those of us who are moved to remember their lives and sacrifice in the exercise of their duties receive the strength to follow their example.
For the blessed soul of the Servant of God Francis II, King of the Two Sicilies, that the Lord may deign to grant the hoped-for graces to those who invoke his help and patronage and that he may thus, in full respect of ecclesiastical laws, ascend soon to the honours of the altars as a brilliant example of the Christian and regal virtues of a Sovereign who had the burden of maintaining the Crown in the darkest hour of the onslaught of impiety, and who even from exile never stopped loving his people with fervent charity.
For all of us who participate in this Holy Sacrifice today: let us implore the Father of glory so that, as children of the divine Son, we cast away the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light, spreading the fragrance of Christ towards all those we meet in our street.
The Celebrant then concluded: “Lord our God, who promised to be present in those who love you and keep your word with an upright and sincere heart, make us worthy of becoming your stable home, following the proud and victorious example of Saint George, our heavenly Patron. Through Christ our Lord.”
Once the prayer was recited after communion, a choral recitation of the Prayer of the Constantinian Knight took place, presided over by the Vice President of the Heraldic Commission, H.E. Duke Landolfo Ambrogio Caracciolo di Melissano, Prince of Melissano and Scanno, Knight Grand Cross of Justice:
“Lord Jesus, who has deigned to make me a member of the Order of the Constantinian Knights of Saint George, I humbly beg you to intercede with the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii, Queen of Victories, the valiant Saint George the Martyr, your Glorious Knight, and all the Saints, to help me remain faithful to the traditions of our Order, practicing and defending the Holy Catholic, Apostolic, Roman Religion against the onslaught of impiety. Let it become for me the armour of faith and shield of good will, a certain defense against the snares of my enemies both visible and invisible. I pray that I may have the grace to exercise charity towards others and especially towards the poor and those persecuted for the sake of Justice. Finally, give me the virtues necessary to realize, according to the spirit of the Gospel, with a disinterested and profoundly Christian soul, these holy desires for the greater Glory of God, the Glorification of the Holy Cross and the Propagation of the Faith, for the peace of the world and the good of the Constantinian Order of Saint George. Amen.”
Once the Holy Mass ended and the Regina Coeli was sung, the celebrant, with the ministers of the altar, went to the sacristy and HRH the Grand Master moved to the center of the hemicycle, under the high altar, accompanied by the President and the Chancellor of the Royal Commission for Italy. Then, the Most Eminent Lord Cardinal arrived and the investiture rite took place, according to the ancient form extracted from the 1802 “Rite and Form to be observed in investing one or more Knights of the Royal Constantinian Order of Saint George of the Capital of Naples, extracted from the Constitutions of the Order which His Majesty King Francis I, Grand Master of the Order, commanded to be followed.”
Having reached the main altar, the candidates bowed deeply to the Grand Master and the Cardinal.
After the admonition given to them by the Chancellor (“You should know that a man cannot be promoted to this Sacred Order if he has not first professed the Catholic and Apostolic Faith from his heart and mouth”), the youngest Knight of Justice among those admitted, the Nob. Antonio Pennisi, Baron of Floristella, took the ritual oath, reciting the Profession of Catholic Faith in the formula established by the Church, in which all the incoming Knights and Dames joined in one voice, and which was concluded as follows: “I also believe with firm faith everything that is contained in the written or transmitted Word of God and that the Church, both with solemn judgement and with ordinary and universal magisterium, proposes to be believed as divinely revealed. I firmly accept and also retain all the individual truths regarding the doctrine concerning faith or customs definitively proposed by the Church. I also adhere with religious obedience of will and intellect to the teachings that the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops propose when they exercise their authentic magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim them with a definitive act.”
Having accepted the Profession of Faith, the Lord Cardinal blessed the church robes. Then, turning to those admitted, he concluded: “Receive this immaculate robe and wear it faithfully [until you arrive] before the tribunal of God.”
After His Eminence had received the profession of faith and given the expected blessings, the Order’s mantle was placed on the new Knight of Justice, at which point all the other new members of the Order also put on their mantles.
After the Rite of Investiture and the Blessing of the Mantles had been completed, HRH the Grand Master presided over the ceremony of awarding diplomas to the new members of the Order and to those who received promotions, assisted by the Grand Chancellor, and by the President and the Chancellor of the Royal Commission for Italy. Once the ceremony was over, the Grand Master, the Cardinal and the Dignitaries and Chaplains of the Order returned to the Sacristy.
Our gratitude for the success of the solemn Pontifical Mass go to the entire organizational team for the care taken in its preparation: to the Chancellery of the Royal Commission for Italy, in particular the Secretary General, Dr. Michele Canterano, Knight Jure Sanguinis; and to the Ceremonial Director, Attorney Fabio Adernò, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; and to the Delegation of Naples and Campania and, in particular to the Delegate, with all the Chaplains, Knights, Ladies and Postulants of the Delegation who, with a spirit of service and dedication have put in so much efforts for this solemn ceremony.
The warm appreciation expressed by the Cardinal for the excellent efforts and participation of Knights, Ladies, Postulants and Friends of the Constantinian Order in this solemn Pontifical Mass is well deserved.
BREAKFAST AT THE NATIONAL UNION CLUB IN NAPLES
The Eucharistic Celebration was followed at 1.00 pm by a breakfast at the Circolo Nazionale dell’Unione (Teatro San Carlo), a pleasant moment in the presence of the Grand Master, the Cardinal and the high officials of the Royal Commission for Italy of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George.
During breakfast, the President of the Royal Commission for Italy announced that HRH the Grand Master has agreed to the establishment of the Delegation of Calabria. The Lieutenant for Peninsular Southern Italy expressed his thanks to the Grand Master and underlined that the Constantinian Order is doing well in Calabria and that it will do even better in times to come.
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For the photography we thank Cav. Gennaro Vernillo, of the Delegation of Tuscia and Sabina, official photographer of the Press Office of the Royal Commission for Italy.
For a description of the three days of HRH the Grand Master in Naples on the occasion of the 2024 Pontifical Mass, see: https://constantinianorder.us/the-royal-commission-for-italy-of-the-constantinian-order-announces-that-the-annual-pontifical-mass-of-saint-george-will-take-place-in-naples-on-20-april-2024/
